Jonathan shames Fulani group behind APC presidential forms purchase
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has shamed a shadowy Fulani group, who purchased the presidential nomination form and expression of interest form of the ruling All Progressives Congress for him to contest in 2023.
Many Nigerians were shocked and had reacted negatively to the news that the former president had joined the presidential race under a rival party. Jonathan is a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
In a statement issued on Monday, his media adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, said Jonathan did not authorise the purchase and consider the move, ‘an insult’.
“We wish to categorically state that Dr Jonathan was not aware of this bid and did not authorise it,” the statement read in part.
“We want to state that if the former President wanted to contest an election, he would make his intentions clear to the public and will not enter through the back door.”
“While we appreciate the overwhelming request by a cross-section of Nigerians, for Dr Jonathan to make himself available for the 2023 Presidential election, we wish to state, that he has not in anyway, committed himself to this request.
“Buying a presidential aspiration form in the name Dr Jonathan without his consent, knowing the position he had held in this country, is considered an insult to his person. The general public is therefore advised to disregard it.”
Jonathan’s claim to political fame was on May 29, 1999, when he was elected deputy governor of Beyelsa state. He held the position until December 2005, when he succeeded the governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. The then governor was accused of money laundering charges in the United Kingdom but managed to escape to Nigeria. He was eventually removed from office under controversial circumstances, thereby paving the way for Jonathan.
Jonathan would later be tapped as running mate to Umaru Yar’Adua, who emerged president in 2021. Jonathan’s political fate changed following the death in office of Yar’Adua.
Through a doctrine of necessity invoked by the National Assembly, Goodluck Jonathan became president in 2011.
After serving out the Yar’Adua’s term, Jonathan contested and won the presidency in 2015. He however failed to secure a second term as he was defeated by President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 poll.
